Foam Extinguishing Systems discharge foam bubbles onto the liquid surface. Thus, by cooling with the effect of water trapped inside the structure and forming a concentrated blanket (layer) on the flammable liquid surface, it cuts off contact with the air and extinguishes the fire. Foam Extinguishing Systems, which we classify according to expansion rates, are used in;
- Low Expansion Foam Extinguishing Systems; can be applied to production areas, storage areas and special risks involving flammable and combustible liquids such as storage tanks, tanker filling areas, foam sprinkler systems.
- Medium Expansion Foam Extinguishing Systems; are used for Protection of Dike Areas, Under Tanker in Tanker Filling Areas or to cover the ground in various industrial areas.
- High Expansion Foam Systems; can be used where it is desired to fill the area with foam, where fire contact with air is tried to be prevented and especially where vapor suppression is needed.
In order to be able to make the correct application, it is necessary to create a foam solution by mixing the water – foam mixture extremely accurately, complying with the minimum – maximum water-foam concentrate mixture limits, combine it with air at the correct ratio. Taking these basic rules into account, foams made of extremely good quality should have properties such as;
- Solid
- Sticky
- Fast Locking Fire
- Heat Resistant
- Vapor Retention
- Long Water Drainage Time in the Structure
- Preventing Re-ignition
- Extinguishing Fire Effectively
In order for the system to provide the desired performance, most or all of the requirements listed above must be met.
In addition to the classical foam concentrates such as AFFF, AFFF AR, P, FP, FP AR, FFFP, FFFP AR, which are frequently used today, new generation fluorine-free “Re-Healing” or “Flourine Free” “Environmentally Friendly” concentrates appear. Expansion rates vary depending on the equipment used. Often 1×3, 3×3 or 3×6 mixing ratios for 1%, 3%, 6% or Alcohol derived foams are in question.
Today, in addition to classical foam concentrates, newly developed and environmentally friendly foam concentrates are preferred and used intensively by investors in production and storage facilities. With the increase in environmental awareness, the use of “New Generation Environmentally Friendly Foam Concentrates” is spreading rapidly. The use of “New Generation Environmentally Friendly Foam Concentrates” will increase especially in chemical plants located on water basins.
Foam Fire Protection Systems are often designed in accordance with NFPA 11, NFPA 16, NFPA 30 or EN 13565 standards.
